Inclusive Spaces: Crafting Safe & Functional Homes for Every Generation
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Credit/ 1 Barrier Free CEPH
Discover innovative design strategies to transform your home into a safe, accessible space for all. With over 20% of our population aged 65+ by 2030, our living environments must evolve.
Join this program to learn practical tips for eliminating hazards and creating functional, inclusive spaces that promote independence and well-being at every stage of life. Embrace the chance to shape a future where everyone can thrive.
Objectives:
- By the end of this program, participants will be able to define and explain the fundamental principles of safe, accessible home design. They will describe common hazards in conventional living spaces and understand why creating inclusive environments is critical—especially given the projected growth of the aging population.
- Participants will create a comprehensive redesign plans for a home that integrates innovative design strategies. This plan will address hazard elimination, functional modifications, and adaptability to evolving demographic needs, thereby promoting independence and well-being at every stage of life.
- Analyze existing home layouts and evaluate potential hazards by critiquing
environmental barriers that hinder the safe mobility of everyone.
LaDonna Eriksen
Construction Education Consortium, Founder
LaDonna Eriksen is an accomplished educator, contractor, and design professional with over four decades of experience in the construction and education industries.
As the CEO and Director of Education for the Construction Education Consortium, which she co-founded in 2023, LaDonna leads the development of innovative educational programs focused on accessible and functional home design.
With a Master of Science in Secondary Education and Curriculum Development from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Dakota, LaDonna brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and design expertise to her work. She is also the owner of Interiors by Design, a full-service design and remodeling firm she has operated since 1984, where she specializes in kitchen and bath design, full access home planning, and smart home integration.
A nationally recognized thought leader, LaDonna has presented at major industry events including CEDIA, WellCon, and ASID programs and has developed webinars for the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), where she has
served in multiple leadership roles. In February of 2025 that recognition carried her to Barcelona, Spain to present at Integrated Systems Europe. She designed and served as general contractor for the first Full Access Home in 2019 and continues to advocate for inclusive design and contractor education through local study groups and national speaking engagements.
In addition to her industry leadership, LaDonna spent over 30 years in academia as an adjunct professor in biology, anatomy/physiology, genetics, and chemistry at institutions such as Metropolitan Community College and the College of St. Mary’s. Her career reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning, inclusive design, and the integration of technology in everyday living.